Summary As proposed, Member States may designate a single information point established under the Gigabit Infrastructure Act (Regulation (EU) 2024/1309) to assist data centre operators in acceleration zones under CADA. Article 12(1) permits this option. Where they do, the functions, procedures, and mechanisms applicable to that point under the Gigabit Infrastructure Act — including digital access, administrative coordination, and dispute settlement — would also apply. The aim is to streamline administration without creating duplicate structures. It is an option, not an obligation.

Detail

CADA, proposed by the European Commission on 3 June 2026, introduces a framework to accelerate data centre deployment across the EU. A central component is the data centre acceleration zone (Article 10), where permitting is streamlined. To support operators, CADA provides for single information points under Article 12.

Article 12(1): the option to reuse existing single information points

Article 12(1) gives data centre operators a right, upon request, to be assisted by a single information point throughout the entire lifecycle of a data centre project in an acceleration zone. It then offers Member States flexibility:

"For that purpose, Member States shall designate one or more single information points for data centre operators of data centre projects in acceleration zones. The Member States may designate for this purpose a single information point established under Regulation (EU) 2024/1309. The functions, procedures and mechanisms applicable to such single information points under Regulation (EU) 2024/1309, including those relating to digital access, administrative coordination and dispute settlement, shall also apply."

Regulation (EU) 2024/1309 is the Gigabit Infrastructure Act, which already requires Member States to put in place single information points to facilitate the deployment of gigabit electronic communications networks. By cross-referencing it, CADA would let Member States reuse that existing infrastructure rather than build parallel bodies.

Scope of functions and procedures

Where a Member State designates an existing Gigabit Infrastructure Act point for CADA purposes, the text provides for continuity: the functions, procedures, and mechanisms under Regulation (EU) 2024/1309 — including digital access, administrative coordination, and dispute settlement — "shall also apply." These would extend to data centre projects.

Core role of the single information point

Whether newly created or reused, the point's role is set out in Article 12(2). It may include, among other things, coordinating, facilitating, monitoring, and sharing information on procedures relating to:

  • spatial planning and building permits;
  • environmental assessments, in accordance with the proposed Regulation on speeding-up environmental assessments;
  • authorisations regarding water abstraction, wastewater discharge, and heat utilisation and recovery;
  • compliance with applicable administrative and reporting obligations;
  • information to the public, with the aim of increasing public acceptance of the project; and
  • applications for connection to electricity, heat, communications, or other relevant networks.

Under Article 12(3), the point would also assist in assessing whether a project may qualify as a strategic project under Article 14.

Particular attention to SMEs

Article 12(4) provides that, when giving administrative support and assistance, the point shall pay particular attention to SMEs and, where appropriate, establish a dedicated channel for communication with SMEs to provide guidance and respond to queries related to the Regulation's implementation.

What this means for you

For in-house counsel and compliance officers at data centre operators, the reuse option presents both efficiencies and a need to verify national choices.

1. Streamlined administrative engagement

If your Member State reuses an existing Gigabit Infrastructure Act point, you may benefit from established digital platforms and known mechanisms. Check whether the national point has actually been extended to data-centre workflows such as heat reuse or grid connection.

2. Unified contact for hybrid projects

Many data centre projects need both high-capacity connectivity and physical construction. Using one point for both CADA and Gigabit Infrastructure Act requirements can support coordinated permitting and reduce conflicting decisions.

3. Dispute resolution pathways

Because the dispute settlement mechanisms under Regulation (EU) 2024/1309 "shall also apply," review those provisions as implemented in your Member State to understand timelines and escalation paths if the point fails to assist in time.

4. SME-specific support

If you qualify as an SME, Article 12(4) directs the point to pay particular attention to SMEs and, where appropriate, provide a dedicated channel. Document any failure to provide this support as part of your risk management.

5. Strategic-project assessment

The point's role in assessing strategic-project status (Article 12(3)) matters, because strategic projects under Article 14 can access targeted support. Engage early to gather the evidence needed against the Article 14 criteria.

Common misconceptions

Misconception 1: Reuse is mandatory. Correction: Article 12(1) says Member States "may" designate an existing Gigabit Infrastructure Act point. It is an option, not an obligation; some may create dedicated points instead. Check national implementation.

Misconception 2: A reused point automatically covers all data centre permits. Correction: The functions and procedures apply, but the point coordinates and facilitates — it does not itself grant the permits. Operators must still comply with all relevant national and EU permitting requirements.

Misconception 3: Reuse removes the need for a single information point. Correction: The obligation to designate at least one point remains. Reuse concerns which entity performs the role, not whether the role exists.

Misconception 4: Gigabit Act dispute settlement is identical for data centres. Correction: The mechanisms "shall also apply," but the substance of data-centre disputes (e.g., environmental assessments, grid connection) may differ from typical gigabit disputes. Do not assume gigabit precedent translates directly.

Related

This is general information about a draft EU regulation, not legal advice.